Friday, August 28, 2009

The things you own end up owning you



A line from the movie - Fight Club where Brad Pitt's character says: "The things you own end up owning you. "

I'm just like everyone else. I see the fancy car, the nice clothes, handbags, shoes, the big house... I want it. I want it all. I am not innocent of this behavior; far from it. And I learned the hard way.

The temptations are always there. Sometimes it’s hard to resist. My mind will start being creative to create so many reasons to justify the purchase :) So, one of the way is that I avoid myself from going to the shopping mall, especially during mega sales. At the same time, I stop comparing. When you start to compare what you have with others; nothing is enough and satisfying.

I’ve read two books from Azizi Ali. He’s able to explain the key basic thing that you need to know in managing your money. But again, it’s up to us to act on it. The old Malay saying - "biar papa, asal bergaya" - it is one of the ugliest of Malay traits.

These days I spend less - on housing, on cars, on clothes, on my entire lifestyle. As long as I have a comfortable place to live, I have a car to drive, I have clothes on my back, and I have food on the table. No need for any fancy lifestyle - i live a life with no style :)

If there is no tomorrow for me, I don’t want to burden anyone. I don’t want to leave behind debt and any sort of trouble. Let my family have peace of mind.

I may not have much, but what I have is enough.


But because of the changes, I do still have a little extra money to take vacations (to keep me sane) or make special purchases when I need to without going into debt. And of course a little more saving for my retirement. I am hopeful that my mistakes will always act as a reminder to me to be wiser.

I wish you enough too, my friend :)

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